Martiri di Pessano War memorial

Seven souls silenced. The Martiri di Pessano War Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of their sacrifice. This memorial marks the very spot where, on March 9, 1945, seven partisans from the Brianza region were executed by German occupying forces and the Italian Republican National Guard. Their deaths were a reprisal for the wounding of a German lieutenant the previous day. The lieutenant, in charge of the Speer factory in Pessano con Bornago, was ambushed by partisans. Although mortally wounded, he repeatedly insisted that his attackers were not from the local town. This act of compassion likely saved Pessano’s citizens from a similar fate. The following day, however, seven prisoners from Monza prison were brought to this spot. They were Angelo Barzago, Romeo Cerizza, Claudio Cesana, Dante Cesana, Alberto Gabellini, Mario Vago, and Angelo Viganò. A young boy named Carlettino Vismara, deemed too young for execution, was forced to witness the horrific scene. The Martiri di Pessano War Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the bravery of those who resist oppression. Their sacrifice, forever etched in this memorial, calls us to strive for a world where such tragedies are never repeated.